New Kia Sportage ‘3’ grade

With the start of summer just weeks away, Kia is making a series of updates to its Sportage range, with a new streamlined four trim level line-up.

The most significant change is the introduction of a new ‘3’ grade, joining ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ specifications.

All versions in the latest Sportage range are well equipped, with every iteration featuring a ‘frameless’ eight-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system with the latest UVO Connect telematics system, as well as Android AutoTM, Apple CarPlayTM and Bluetooth smartphone connectivity. DAB digital radio is standard and Kia’s Connected Services powered by TomTom® is included, offering a wide range of driving-oriented information. Connectivity features include live traffic updates, speed camera locations and alerts, local search and weather forecasts. The Kia Connected Services system can show drivers the price of fuel at nearby filling stations, as well as the location and real-time availability of parking spaces. The touchscreen also integrates a reversing camera system, in addition to rear parking sensors.

Safety is of great importance, with six airbags, Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Speed Limit Information Function (SLIF), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA) and High Beam Assist (HBA) are fitted to all versions of the latest Sportage, in addition to Blind-Sport Collision Warning (BCW) on ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’ models, while Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian detection is included as standard on the flagship ‘GT-Line S’ models.

And the long list of equipment fitted to every Sportage also includes alloy wheels, heated front and outer rear seats, dual automatic air conditioning, privacy glass, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain sensing front wipers, automatic light control, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors and cruise control with speed limiter.

There are three engines available on the Kia Sportage. The 1.6-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine produces 174bhp and 265Nm torque, with emissions from 183g/km. The naturally aspirated 130bhp 1.6-litre GDi engine offers a maximum torque output of 161Nm, CO2 emissions from 177g/km and fuel economy of up to 36.2mpg on the combined cycle. With a top speed of 113mph, acceleration to 60mph takes 11.1 seconds. Diesel variants with mild-hybrid technology are also offered.